Mather Byles
Mather Byles (1707-1788) was a prominent Boston clergyman and poet known for his literary contributions during the 18th century. Raised in a family with a notable lineage, including his uncle Cotton Mather, Byles graduated from Harvard University and became the editor of the New England Weekly Journal. He served as the minister of the Hollis St. Congregational Church from 1732 until 1775, becoming recognized for his literary taste and learning. Throughout his career, he corresponded with distinguished writers such as Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope, and published several poetry collections, including "Poems on Several Occasions" and "The Flourish of the Annual Spring."
Byles’ poetry reflected the influences of Puritanism while also engaging with contemporary English poetic trends. His work is characterized by wit and imitation rather than deep theological insight. However, his pro-British sympathies during the American Revolutionary War led to significant consequences, including his arrest and eventual house confinement. Following the war, Byles faced financial hardship and relied on the support of friends like Benjamin Franklin until his death. His legacy encompasses both his literary achievements and the complexities of his political stance during a transformative period in American history.
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Mather Byles
Writer
- Born: March 15, 1707
- Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts
- Died: July 5, 1788
- Place of death: Boston, Massachusetts
Biography
Mather Byles, born in 1707 in Boston, Massachusetts, was a noted clergyman and poet. His father died when he was only a year old, and Byles was raised by his mother, his grandfather, and his uncle, Cotton Mather, who famously instigated the Salem Witch Trials.
After graduating from Harvard University, Byles followed a literary career path and became editor of, and a contributor to, the New England Weekly Journal. Eventually, Byles became minister of the Hollis St. Congregational Church in Boston, a position he held from 1732 to 1775. A man of literary taste and solid learning, Byles corresponded with writers Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope. He married Anna Noyles Gale in 1733; she died in 1744. Byles later married Rebecca Tailer.
After the British evacuation of Boston during the Revolutionary War, Byles was dismissed from his post at Hollis St. Congregational Church due to his pro-British sympathies. Byles identification with British interests led to his arrest in 1777. Tried and convicted of crimes against the United States, he was originally sentenced to deportation. This sentence was later commuted, and Byles was confined to his house. After serving his punishment, Byles lost his fortune and relied upon the charity of friends, such as Benjamin Franklin, until his death.
Byles published many poems in theNew England Weekly Journal. Two noted volumes of his poetry are Poems on Several Occasions (1744) and The Flourish of the Annual Spring (1769). Strongly rooted in Puritan influences, Byles selected subjects that would “improve” his readers. However, his presentation indicates the truer purpose of his verse was to construct tasteful imitations of the new Augustan poetic fashions from England. His poetry has been described as witty and imitative. In addition to his poetry, Byles also published many of his popular sermons, which are notable more for polished prose than for theological thought.